During the Enlightenment, especially
in France, a tradition called The Salon developed. Rich and open minded
men and women would hold elaborate dinner parties to which they would invite
all sorts of artists, writers, and politically minded people. At these
functions it would be typical for first a poet to get up and read an original
poem. Then the guests would discuss the poem critically. Next a painter
would exhibit his latest effort. All would appraise and criticize. There
would be general discussions of the issues of the day, and of the ideals
of the people. The Salons were rich breeding grounds for ideas and high
thought. They led to art criticism as it is today. Two people whose Salons
were famous all over Europe were Mary Thérèse Geoffrin and
Denis Diderot.